48 pages • 1 hour read
Erik Christian HaugaardThe Samurai's Tale
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1984A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Samurai’s Tale, by Erik Christian Haugaard, is a young adult historical novel set during Japan's Sengoku period, following the journey of Murakami Harutomo, an orphaned samurai's son, who rises from servitude to become a respected warrior. Along the way, he learns about honor and loyalty through the mentorship of various characters amid the era's turbulent civil wars. It contains depictions of violence and social inequalities inherent to feudal Japan.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Erik Christian Haugaard's The Samurai's Tale is praised for its rich historical detail and engaging narrative, transporting readers to feudal Japan with vivid descriptions and well-developed characters. However, some critique the pacing, finding certain sections sluggish. Overall, it offers an insightful and captivating glimpse into samurai culture, appealing to history buffs and young readers alike.
Who Should Read The Samurai's Tale?
A reader who enjoys historical fiction set in feudal Japan, appreciates coming-of-age stories, and values rich cultural details would find The Samurai's Tale by Erik Christian Haugaard captivating. Comparable to readers who favor Shogun by James Clavell or Across the Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearn.
RecommendedReading Age
10-14yearsLexile Level
960L